DUBAI – Football legend Ronaldo Nazário, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the sport’s history, has declared that contemporary training methodologies have revolutionized athletic preparation, making them dramatically more efficient than those from his playing era. Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, the Brazilian icon provided a compelling comparison between past and present approaches to player development.
Known during his career as ‘O Fenômeno’ for his extraordinary abilities, Ronaldo contrasted the rigid, uniform training regimens of the past with today’s personalized, scientifically-informed methods. He recalled particularly challenging pre-season experiences where players across all positions were subjected to identical endurance-based workouts regardless of their specific role requirements.
“I distinctly remember the immense difficulty during pre-seasons where coaching staff would have me running extensive distances alongside teammates like Roberto Carlos and Cafu, who were renowned for their exceptional endurance,” Ronaldo explained. “This approach was fundamentally mismatched with my position as a striker whose effectiveness depended on explosive acceleration and rapid bursts over short distances rather than long-distance stamina.”
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized that modern training has evolved to focus on position-specific conditioning and individualized programs that maximize efficiency while minimizing unnecessary physical strain. This targeted approach allows players to develop precisely the skills and physical attributes most relevant to their role on the pitch.
“Contemporary training philosophy recognizes that a striker doesn’t need to run 10 kilometers daily,” Ronaldo noted. “Instead, they engage in specialized drills that enhance their explosive power, quick directional changes, and finishing techniques – making every training session profoundly more productive.”
Since retiring from professional football in 2011 after celebrated tenures with Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, Ronaldo has transitioned to administrative roles within football organizations. He now actively advocates for these modern training principles, sharing his perspectives with current players and technical staff.
Ronaldo’s observations highlight a significant evolution in sports science that has transformed how athletes prepare physically and technically. This shift toward smarter, more targeted training represents one of the most substantial improvements in football’s ongoing development, potentially extending careers and enhancing performance quality across the sport.